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Remember we introduced you to the real brides who took the plunge to design their wedding outfits? The blog featured an array of uber-talented brides who not only dared to ditch readymade ensembles but also made heads turn with their creations. Well, we got in touch with them again. This time to seek tips for you all on how to design a lehenga from the scratch!

If the idea of designing an outfit for your own wedding revelries interests you, read on! You are about to get first-hand advice tips from the brides who actually did it. Read on, as we take you through their journeys that’ll not only inspire you but also give clarity on how to take that first step. It is definitely going to be a roller coaster journey and would demand attention in abundance. But the satisfaction is going to be unparalleled! Before we begin, here are a few things we would want you to keep in mind before you embark on the journey:

  • Rope in a tailor whom you trust with the fittings and finishing. He/she can make or break the ensemble!
  • Have clarity about the design. You may or may not have an inspiration, but be clear in your mind how you want your outfit to look. If not the exact design, at least be sure of the silhouette and the colour, to begin with.
  • Know what fabric flatters your body type and is apt for what season.
  • Have a timeline. Have at least 3-4 months in hand.
  • Seek professional help from your tailor in case you are clueless about details like the neckline, sleeve designs, etc. 
  • Have a budget and know how much you want to spend!
  • You can buy embellished, heavy fabric or amp it up with laces. However, if you want handcrafted elegance, get the basic knowledge about different kinds of work like zardosi, dabka, etc. and know that you will have to get in touch with a kaarigar.
  • Enjoy the journey, and give your best!

Now, we'll let the brides takeover!

Brides Share How They Designed Their Own Wedding Outfits

Srishti - The Bride Who Created A Sabyasachi-Inspired Lehenga For Her Mehndi Ceremony

Remember the lime green Sabyasachi lehenga that Alia Bhatt wore and so did a lot of brides! Well, Srishti loved the outfit and the pretty hue but wanted to add the raging Bandhani charm to it! With the help of her mother, who runs a boutique Dresstination by Aastha, Srishti sourced lime green fabric from Delhi's Lajpat Nagar market and adorned it with laces and latkans purchased from Rajouri Garden and Chandni Chowk respectively. The cynosure of her look was her Bandhani dupatta! "I wanted a specific colour combination in my dupatta but was not able to find it. Luckily, I came across a chiffon Bandhani Saree put on display outside a shop in Sarojini Nagar Market. I instantly purchased it and used it as a dupatta for my mehendi," Srishti tells! Isn't that interesting?

"Make up your mind, select the design and stick to it. Do not get confused. You’ll anyway look different and nobody can match the glow you will have on your face cuz it's your day," Srishti says when asked to share tips for brides-to-be.

Pratishtha - The Bride Who Made Electrifying Blue Mehndi Outfit & The Prettiest Lavender Lehenga

Pratishtha started her own women's clothing line Pratishtha - The Label in 2016 and always knew that she would be designing all her wedding outfits! "I had a clear idea of the kind of bridal lehenga I wanted for myself – a unique pastel shade, fuss-free lightweight lehenga with a pocket to carry my essentials," she shares. "The process of creating your own bridal lehenga is definitely way more daunting as you are not just the designer but also the bride. So yes the pressure is insane, but you enjoy every moment of it and seeing the final look of the lehenga just makes it all worthwhile and even more special," she further adds.

"Lajpat Nagar, Chandni Chowk, and Nehru place are perfect markets in Delhi for fabric sourcing. And brides must take their time and not be in a rush to create their dream outfits. You know what you want; it's just a matter of bringing your imagination to life," Pratishtha concludes with special advice for brides-to-be who wish to create their own wedding outfits.

Here's her self-designed voguish mehndi outfit!

Parul - The Bride Whose Wedding Lehenga Can Give Big Designers A Run!

Parul studied at NIFT, Delhi with a specialization in Indian ethnic wear and was well-equipped with the whole design process. Her dad and fiancé (now husband) wanted her to design her own wedding lehenga instead of wearing any big couture brand. Their excitement is what pushed her! She started with conceptualising her outfit details followed by sampling! She roped in the same tailor and karigars with whom she had worked for her NIFT assignment.

"I am a huge fan of silk when it comes to fabrics, and zardozi is my favourite embroidery. I think it is an elaborate embroidery technique that allows you to use a variety of trims. I used zari, dabka, nakshi, cut dana, moti, sequin, and silk threads for the embroidery. I chose mulberry silk, in a deep wine hue for my lehenga, from Nalli. It is my go-to place for silk," Parul shares. "You may scroll through new trends and keep yourself open to new ideas but go by your instincts. Reflect your style and not just what's trending," she further adds.

PS: She also created this peppy dual-tone outfit for her mehndi ceremony!

Priyanka - The Bride Who Hand-painted Her Lehenga For Mehndi Ceremony

Priyanka, the founder of the brand Zubiya, decided to hand-paint her mehndi outfit. It took her an entire year due to continuous obstacles like Covid infection and a major hand injury all while handling her business and planning for her wedding. She sourced the fabric from a local vendor in Nehru Place, Delhi. She chose a silk base in powder blue hue for the lehenga and flowy organza for the dupatta. "Sky is the limit, don’t be afraid to embark on this amazing journey. Ask your inner self how you want the wedding outfit to be. Start with the colours and the patterns. It may be a lot of hard work with some sleepless nights. But in the end, it will feel worth it, because it’s gonna be one of a kind," Priyanka shares.

PS: She also created a coordinating outfit for her hubby for the ceremony.

Source ShaadiSaga

Prajakta – The Bride Who Stunned In Self-Designed Golden Lehenga

Even after scouting ample Mumbai and Delhi-based designer stores, nothing fit Prajakta’s vision and that’s when she decided to create her own wedding lehenga. Must we say, it was a FAB decision as her bridal look went viral back then and she still gets queries from brides-to-be for her lehenga! Talking about the process, she says, "I wanted something exquisite yet subtly glam. I knew it had to be an offbeat colour. Red, honestly, feels more like a uniform as everyone wears it. As a bride, I wanted to stand out while being true to myself. Once I made up my mind on the colour gold, I decided to play up with different textures of the same hue to add dimension. I used a variety of fabrics that were sourced from Karol Bagh in Delhi and from Bandra, Mumbai. A lot of dyeing and matching of swatches was also involved. The entire process was a lot of hard work with trial & errors but it paid off in the end as I ended up with the most stunning & unique lehenga."

"I would tell every bride to take the risk and try getting an outfit or two made for your wedding. Even if it doesn't turn out as intended, you can still use it for a smaller function or make it a part of your trousseau. Find a great tailor who can bring your vision to life do not compromise on this aspect as this is the most crucial element of the process. Have a little faith in your own instincts when it comes to your big day. As a bride, it can be daunting when too many people try to tell you too many things, stick to what makes you feel your best," Prajakta further adds.

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How To Design Own Lehenga From The Scratch? Real Brides Reveal

by Medha Chawla

How To Design Own Lehenga From The Scratch? Real Brides Reveal